Why This Major Sumo Event Takes Place in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: This Historic London Venue, London. Dates: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals with origins more than 1,000 years.
This combat sport involves two competitors – known as rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – spanning 4.55 meters in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies take place before and after every match, highlighting the traditional nature of the sport.
Traditionally prior to competition, a hole is created at the center of the ring then filled with symbolic offerings by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to drive off negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors who participate commit completely to it – residing and practicing in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital with this iconic venue also hosted the 1991 edition – marking the initial occasion such an event was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced substantial growth in popularity globally recently, and a rare international tournament potentially enhancing the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The basic rules of sumo are quite simple. The bout concludes when a rikishi is forced out from the ring or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push their opponents from the arena by force, while belt-fighters choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles adjusting against different styles.
Sumo includes 82 winning techniques, ranging from dramatic throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies keeps audiences engaged, meaning unexpected results may happen in any bout.
Weight classes do not exist in sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
While women do compete in non-professional sumo worldwide, they're excluded from professional tournaments or the main arenas.
Rikishi Lifestyle
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a head trainer.
Everyday life for wrestlers centers completely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a substantial lunch of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.
The average wrestler eats approximately multiple servings each sitting – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of wrestlers' existence get controlled by their stable and governing body – making a unique lifestyle among athletic professions.
A wrestler's ranking determines their payment, living arrangements including support staff.
Younger or lower ranked rikishi perform duties around the heya, whereas senior ones enjoy special privileges.
Competitive standings are established through performance in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors advance, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Before each tournament, updated rankings gets published – a traditional document showing everyone's status in professional sumo.
The highest level exists the rank of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna represent the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Top champions include international representatives, with competitors multiple countries reaching elite status.
In recent news, foreign prospects have traveled to the homeland seeking professional sumo careers.
